Mr Chef curries loads of favour

Indian take-away in Craigneuk proves they're second to naan

Eighteen months’ hard work for the owner and staff at an Indian takeaway in Craigneuk, Wishaw, have paid off - after the business was awarded a Tried and Tasted 2014 Award, thanks to a terrific response from satisfied customers.

And the news is particularly sweet for boss Wasim Arshad – a late-comer to the trade his father has devoted his own working life to.

Wasim got into the food game just five years ago, taking on a Subway franchise in Ayrshire after opting for a career in law and accountancy.

He now has his proud dad Mohammed running his kitchen at Mr Chef in the town’s Craigneuk Street.

“We’re delighted to get the award, particularly as we’re the only establishment in the whole area to have done so,” Wasim said this week.

“Basically what happens is that customers go on to the just-eat.co.uk website after they’ve ordered a meal from a takeway like our own and comment on every aspect of it, from the food itself, delivery time, quality of service and so on.

“We’ve had 407 reviews, which is a massive number compared to most places, who average about 40 to 45.

“And we’ve had an approval rating of 5.6 to 5.7 out of six across the board.

“It’s a phenomenal result for the business.

“Now I’d like to thank everybody who took the time to cast a vote online for us.”

Wasim says the fact Mr Chef has adopted what he called a more British style of business operations has been a big boost.

“As well as employing a truly local staff, who are all from less than a mile or so away, we’ve proved that we’re up to the challenge of Facebook and other social media.

“In the old days it was just a case of doing a menu ‘drop’ round the doors and waiting to see who turned up, but times have changed.

“My dad loves it.

“He opened the Pir Mahal, the first Indian restaurant in Hamilton, 40 years ago and is now in charge of my kitchen here.